Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

Jackson's family announced his passing on February 17, 2026.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, has died at the age of 84. Jackson's family announced his passing on February 17, 2026, stating that he was a "servant leader" who "uplifted millions" through his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and love.

Why it matters

Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, continuing the fight for racial equality and social justice long after the death of his mentor, Martin Luther King Jr. His two presidential campaigns in the 1980s were groundbreaking, paving the way for future Black leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.

The details

Born in Greenville, South Carolina in 1941, Jackson rose to prominence for his work with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. After King's death, Jackson continued to advocate for African Americans and other marginalized groups, launching two unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 1984 and 1988. Despite his electoral losses, Jackson's campaigns are widely credited with opening the door for future Black political leaders.

  • Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, South Carolina in 1941.
  • Jackson worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement during the 1960s.
  • Jackson launched two presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
  • Jackson passed away on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A renowned civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later launched two presidential campaigns in the 1980s.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the civil rights movement, with whom Jackson collaborated in the 1960s.

Barack Obama

A former U.S. president whose political rise was influenced by Jackson's groundbreaking presidential campaigns.

Kamala Harris

The first female, first Black, and first South Asian American vice president of the United States, whose path was paved by Jackson's civil rights work and presidential bids.

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What they’re saying

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

— Jackson Family

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's life and legacy as a civil rights leader and presidential candidate left an indelible mark on American politics and the fight for racial equality. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality paved the way for future generations of Black leaders to rise to positions of power and influence.